by Rahma Haggag
Sheikh Jarrah residents are still experiencing threats of demolition and displacement from the Israeli military forces.
Palestinian journalist and activist, Muna El Kurd posted chat screenshots between herself and a civilian in Sheikh Jarrah, who was telling her that the Israeli Forces have surrounded Salhiya’s family home. According to the screenshots, Salhiya’s family is one of the very old families that have resided in Sheikh Jarrah for generations.
Moreover, Mahmoud Salhiya, one of Salhiya’s family members camped out in front of his home with his family, few nights before El Kurd shared the screenshots. They camped out in front of their house to protect it. Furthermore, there is a video of him telling all the Palestinians not to leave their homes, no matter how many times the Israeli forces are trying to let them out.
El Kurd went live from her Instagram account to report what is still happening in Sheikh Jarrah but Instagram cut off her live stream and blocked her from documenting the forced displacement of Sheikh Jarrah’s citizens, but she was able to go back online by the time.
She always tries to provide the world with a window into living under occupation in East Jerusalem through social media platforms. In addition, she always plays a significant role in protests against the possible eviction of Palestinian families from homes in East Jerusalem.
Also last year, El Kurd and her twin brother were arrested by the Israeli occupation forces to silence the voice of Sheikh Jarrah.
Furthermore, Israeli forces have been attacking people in Sheikh Jarrah who are defending their homes. They have also been assaulting, arresting, and demolishing homes and schools in Al-Naqab and the Hebron Hills for the past week.
All the Palestinians are comparing what is happening now at Sheikh Jarrah to 1948. The Nakba of 1948 marked the displacement of over half the Palestinians and the murder of thousands of others. Moreover, the UN reported that Israeli Forces demolished, directly and indirectly, or seized 474 Palestinian-owned buildings including shops, homes, and schools during 2021.
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